Key information
- Duration:
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- F3G6
- Start date:
- September 2026
- 7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
- Top 20 in the UK for Physics (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- =20th in the UK for Physics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
If you’re keen to study physics but fascinated by data analysis and machine learning, this course is for you.
Technological advancements in physics and data science methods allow us to respond to a wide range of problems. These include modelling disease evolution, mitigating climate change and optimising business models.
You’ll study the fundamentals of both subjects, and develop the skills to tackle some of the biggest data driven challenges in modern science.
Options enable you to specialise in areas you find most fascinating. They include:
- quantum mechanics
- scientific computing
- electrodynamics
- data structure and algorithms.
In your final year project you could be working with our expert physicists and data scientists. Our faculty are at the forefront of their fields. Their work includes developing next generation quantum computers, exploring dark energy and quantum effects in black holes, searching for fundamental particles at CERN, and working with NASA’s James Webb Telescope.
By graduation you’ll have gained skills much in demand by employers, including computer programming skills, data analysis and solid research skills. Career options include work in finance, data analytics and software development.
Our department is a friendly, close-knit community. Our lecturers take time to get to know you and are available to offer support. So you‘ll always find help, if you need it.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
MPhys or BSc?
We also offer this course as a four-year MPhys with an integrated Masters year. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.
Course content
This is a major/minor course, enabling you to study in depth in a core area (your major subject: taking up 75% of your time), while also exploring an additional area (your minor subject: taking up 25% of your time).
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
Your degree
In your first year, you’ll explore classical and modern physics. You’ll use mathematics to solve problems in physics and find out about the programming language Python.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
60%: Lecture
40%: Practical
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include:
40%: Coursework
60%: Examination
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 420 hours of contact time and about 780 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
- Foundations of Data Analysis
- Introduction to Quantum Physics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 1
- Mechanics
- Physics Study Success
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.
Your degree
In Year 2, you’ll use your developing problem-solving skills to solve more complex issues. You’ll will work on laboratory experiments or data analysis projects.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
50%: Lecture
20%: Seminar
30%: Practical
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include:
40%: Coursework
60%: Examination
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 320 hours of contact time and about 880 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
An industrial placement gives you the chance to spend an additional year working with an organisation, in an area relevant to your course, while being paid. It’s a proven way to fast-track your career.
You develop your technical, team-working and transferable skills, and apply what you have learnt in your studies to a business environment.
SEPnet Employer Programme
We are a core part of the SEPnet (South East Physics Network) consortium, which gives us links to universities and industries across the region. SEPnet’s Employer Programme creates opportunities for our students to apply for funded summer placements.
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Your degree
Supervised by one of our researchers, you’ll choose a topic you’re passionate about and apply the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your degree to your project.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include:
52%: Lecture
48%: Practical
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include:
12%: Coursework
60%: Examination
11%: Practical
5%: Group work
12%: Written assessment
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 320 hours of contact time and about 880 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
Autumn and spring teaching
Spring teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.
Find out more about studying Physics at Sussex, including astrophysics, theoretical physics and particle physics
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
Prof Antonella De Santo
Professor Of Physics RSW Research MeritAward Holder
Careers
We are a core part of the SEPnet (South East Physics Network) consortium. This gives us links to universities and industries across the region.
On your course, you’ll develop versatile and transferable skills. This prepares you for finding jobs in industry or academia. You could progress into a diverse range of graduate jobs including:
- data scientist or data analyst
- software engineer
- investment analyst
- financial trader
- game designer
- CAD technician
- teacher.
During your course, you’ll get dedicated careers and CV advice. With careers fairs, forums and a dedicated careers officer, we support your career development from day one. You’ll have opportunities to meet potential employers.
You’ll have a wide range of paid work opportunities within the Department – from teaching and research opportunities in the summer, to outreach roles throughout the year.
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
- one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards